Two cops rescue passengers from burning car in Brooklyn

Police officers Eddie Wong and Annette Lancaster were treated for smoke inhalation and other injuries after they rescued two people from a car that had crashed into a pillar in Brooklyn. (NYPD)

Two police officers were injured early Thursday morning after they rescued two people from a burning car in Brooklyn.

Eddie Wong and Annette Lancaster were on patrol near Avenue T and McDonald Avenue in Sheepshead Bay when they came upon a car that had struck a pillar that supports an elevated train track. The 2007 Lincoln MKX was ablaze with two of three passengers trapped inside, police said.

Due to damage from the accident, the two front doors would not open and the cabin began to fill with smoke, police said. Wong and Lancaster began breaking the windows to let out the smoke.

With the help of local residents, the officers were able to open the driver's side door and pull the 27-year-old male to safety. The officers struggled to free the 55-year-old female on the passenger side of the vehicle as the intensity of the fire grew.

Finally, a resident handed Wong a fire extinguisher, allowing both officers to free the woman through the window.

Wong suffered a strained right shoulder and smoke inhalation. Lancaster suffered lacerations to her hands and smoke inhalation.

The three vehicle occupants were transported to Lutheran Hospital with minor injuries.